Qantas Wheelchair Policy and Special Assistance Guide

Flying With Your Wheelchair on Qantas

Qantas requests that you make your request for wheelchair assistance or book your mobility aid with you when you first make your reservation, or by using the following link at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure:  https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/specific-needs/mobility-assistance/mobility-assistance-request-form.html

Please note that you will be required to assemble and disassemble your wheelchair as needed, including disconnecting and reconnecting your batteries (if applicable) according to dangerous goods standards.  [AMZ asins='B07YNFD9LJ,B01L28ANI2,B074MW1MTW,B00RKJUPS6']

If you are travelling within Australia, Qantas requires that you arrive at the airport at least an hour before departure from domestic terminals, and at least two hours before departure at international terminals (whether or not your flight is going international). 

If you are travelling from an international airport, Qantas recommends that you check with the local office, and allow an additional half an hour to the normal check-in time. 

You will be able to choose if you’d like to check your wheelchair in at the check in desk or at the departure gate. If you check in your wheelchair at the desk, Qantas will provide an airport wheelchair and a staff member will assist you to your gate. In addition to the extra time at check in, Qantas requires that you are at your departure gate 40 minutes before departure for domestic flights, and 60 minutes before departure at international terminals.

Wheelchair Size Limits on Qantas

Qantas operates a number of different aircraft, each with its own size limits on wheelchairs. All wheelchairs must fit within these dimensions when standing upright. If your wheelchair fits the maximum dimensions, but not when standing upright, it must weigh less than 32 kilograms, and have confirmation from the manufacturer that it can be transported on its side. You can find your aircraft type on your itinerary.

Wide Body Aircraft - Airbus A330, Airbus A380, and Boeing 787:

150 cm wide, 160 cm tall, 150 cm long

Narrow Body Aircraft - Boeing 737 amd Embraer 190:

100 cm wide, 84 cm tall, 125 cm long

Bombardier Dash-8:

85 cm wide, 130 cm tall, 115 cm long

Boeing 717:

129 cm wide, 69 cm tall, 100 cm long

Fokker 110 (Network Aviation):

125 cm wide, 63 cm tall, 125 cm long

Fokker 100 (Alliance):

100 cm wide, 65 cm tall, 125 cm long

Battery Operated Mobility Aids on Qantas

If your wheelchair is battery operated, you will be required to request and receive dangerous goods approval in order for Qantas to accept it for transport. Request this approval by following this link and filling out the applicable form:  https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/baggage/dangerous-goods/mobility-aids.html

Qantas accepts lithium-ion and dry/gel/non-spillable batteries for transport. 

Lithium Ion Battery Regulations

If easily removed from your wheelchair, the battery must:

- Have terminals protected/insulated to prevent short circuiting
- Be placed in a protective bag or pouch to prevent damage
- Be transported with you as carry-on baggage

If not easily removed from your wheelchair, the battery must:

- Remain securely attached to the wheelchair
- Have terminals protected to prevent accidental activation
- The wheelchair must be in free-wheel mode, if available
- The wheelchair must be powered OFF

Dry/Gel Cell/Non-Spillable Battery Regulations

If easily removed from your wheelchair, the battery must:

- Be packaged in a strong, firm container with the terminals isolated/protected to prevent short circuiting
- Be transported in the cargo hold

If not easily removed from your wheelchair, the battery must:

- Remain securely attached to the wheelchair
- Have terminals protected to prevent accidental activation
- The wheelchair must be in free-wheel mode, if available
- The wheelchair must be powered OFF

Requesting Wheelchair Assistance at the Airport when Flying with Qantas

You can request assistance when you arrive at the airport, but for the best experience, Qantas recommends that you make your request when you are making your booking. Qantas offers three levels of wheelchair assistance in accordance with IATA. When making your booking, you can choose from one of the following assistance requirements:

WCHR - You require assistance from check in to the top of the jet bridge or bottom of aircraft steps, but you can go up and down stairs on your own. You are able to navigate the cabin of the aircraft to and from your seat. 

WCHS - You require assistance from check in to the door of the aircraft, whether that be at the bottom of the jet bridge or the top of aircraft steps. You are not able to navigate stairs unassisted, but you are able to get to and from your seat on the aircraft. 

WCHC - You require assistance from check in directly to your seat on the aircraft. You cannot navigate stairs unassisted, will require transfer assistance into and out of the aircraft. 

Other Mobility Aids (Canes, Crutches, Walkers) on Qantas

Crutches and canes are welcome in Qantas cabins, and once you are aboard the aircraft they will be stowed in the overhead bins. In some cases, cabin crew may help you stow these devices in alternative areas if necessary. Non-collapsible walkers are not permitted in the cabin for safety reasons, but you can bring them along as checked baggage – once checked in, Qantas will provide an airport wheelchair and staff member to assist you to your gate. 

Wheelchair Contact Information for Qantas

If you need assistance regarding your mobility aid or medical equipment, you can also call Qantas at 1-800-177-474 from within Australia, or at 61-2-9123-7471 from outside Australia. 

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